THERE was extra reason for a support group to celebrate Carers’ Week, as it received a bumper donation of £3,115.

The Forest of Dean District Council’s past chairman, Marrilyn Smart OBE, presented the cheque to the Forest Mental Health Carers Support Group to help those who look after local people.

The group meets once a month at the Community 16 Café in Coleford and provides a welcome chance to relax and chat as well as share experiences and offer each other support.

Mrs Smart chose the group as her charity for the year when she was Chair of the council.

“I am delighted to present such a substantial cheque to this group.

“There are so many deserving causes in the community, but during my year of office, I wanted the council to show its support for a local charity that focuses on mental health.

“Caring can be wonderfully rewarding work, but it can be physically exhausting as well as extremely lonely.

“The volunteers carry out fantastic work by supporting carers of people with mental health conditions.

The money raised to fund respite visits and outings for carers, with a trip to a rose garden and a boat trip from and to fund visiting speakers to the monthly gatherings, offering therapeutic sessions.